Japan’s Toshiba is set to wind up NuGen, its UK-based nuclear arm, after efforts to offload the business failed.
NuGen was behind the development of the Moorside nuclear power station project in Cumbria, in north-west England.
Toshiba’s move will put a dent in the UK’s plans to develop new nuclear power stations as it continues efforts to move to a low carbon economy.
The Japanese firm said in a statement that it would start the wind-up process in January 2019.
“After considering the additional costs entailed in continuing to operate NuGen, Toshiba recognises that the economically rational decision is to withdraw from the UK nuclear power plant construction project, and has resolved to take steps to wind-up NuGen,” Toshiba said in a statement.
Korea Electric Power Corporation (Kepco) had been a preferred bidder to take over the nuclear power plant project – but those talks fell through after more than a year of negotiations.